Thousands Show Up For 'Opening Night' 2012

A brisk wind chased many attendees of "Opening Night" festivities into indoor venues, but a record crowd was anticipated.

Chris McKinnon, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Thousands showed up for Opening Night 2012 in Downtown Oklahoma City on Saturday night.

The festivities kicked off at 7 p.m. and the crowds quickly poured into the area.

This year there was a lot for everyone, young and old.

It took a year of planning but New Year's Eve went off almost without a hitch. Great weather during the day gave way to windy conditions, which kept much of the crowds inside.

They were expecting a record-breaking year with anywhere from 80,000 to 100,000 people.

"We're blown away by how many people are actually Downtown right now," said Emily Trotter, one of the organizers of the event.

"Obviously there is a Thunder game going on, we have a Barons hockey game going on, but there are a ton of families out."

"We have eight different venues," said Ray Allen, one of the co-chairs of Opening Night 2012. "We have 12 stages, we have 40 different performers. So it's everything from jazz to rock to country and western to blues. Whatever, you name it."

Crowds enjoyed musicians, a roller derby and the popular kids section, complete with pictures next to Miss Oklahoma, face paint and balloon animals.

The windy conditions outside kept the clowns inside busy as they created face-paint art and balloon art.

"The kids and the smiles on their faces is all the payment I needed," said one of those clowns. "That's the whole reason you do it.

And at the end of the night, organizers will take a quick break, then start on next year.

Trotter says Monday they will be tearing it all down and start preparations for next year.